Christopher Shays: “it is my pleasure to address an issue of great importance to the Peace Corps and its many fine Volunteers serving around…”

“it is my pleasure to address an issue of great importance to the Peace Corps and its many fine Volunteers serving around the world--the potential application of the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act to require Peace Corps to ``collocate'' its offices with embassies abroad. More than 7,000 Peace Corps Volunteers are currently serving in developing countries around the world. Volunteers give two years of their lives to provide assistance to, and learn from, the people of some of the poorest countries in the world. Living and working with ordinary people, volunteers contribute in a variety of capacities to improving the lives of those they serve. They also seek to share their understanding of other countries with Americans back home. For 40 years, Peace Corps offices have existed separately from U.S. embassies in their host country. Volunteers generally reside outside capital cities, often in remote villages at the same economic level as the people to whom they lend their energy, skills, and friendship. There is a critical security aspect to this arrangement. When Volunteers are recognized as development workers serving a community's needs, they are embraced, supported and protected by the community.”